Low-oxygen effects on blood-forming stem cells
Regulation of hematopoietic stem cells under low oxygen tension
Researchers are looking at how lower oxygen levels help blood-forming stem cells grow and work better for people needing bone marrow or cord blood transplants.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11245754 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project will compare blood-forming (hematopoietic) stem cells handled in low-oxygen conditions to those exposed to normal air, using lab experiments and animal models to track cell signaling and metabolism. The team will study how harvesting and processing cells in hypoxia influences their ability to repopulate bone marrow and support long-term blood cell production. Prior work from the lab showed loss of stem cell function when cells are exposed to ambient air and improved engraftment when processed under low oxygen. The ultimate aim is to translate those findings into better methods for transplanting or expanding donor stem cells for patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who need or may receive hematopoietic stem cell transplantation or gene therapy for blood disorders—such as leukemia, bone marrow failure, or inherited blood diseases—are the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to blood or not eligible for stem cell transplantation are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could make bone marrow and cord blood transplants more reliable by improving stem cell survival, expansion, and long-term engraftment.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory and animal studies have shown that low-oxygen handling can preserve stem cell function and improve engraftment, but applying those methods in clinical practice is still early.
Where this research is happening
Indianapolis, United States
- Indiana University Indianapolis — Indianapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kapur, Reuben — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Kapur, Reuben
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.